Dragana Bjelica: Problems Don’t Stem from Journalists but from Those Who Should Provide Information

(Source: TV Nova)  Dragana Bjelica, manager of the UNS Education Center, commented on headlines and other press topics during the morning program “Wake Up.” Today’s press includes another article about the Ribnikar case, again accompanied by photographs. With increasingly distressing examples appearing daily, there is ample reason to discuss the new Code of Journalists’ of Serbia, which came into effect a few days ago. Bjelica explains its provisions. 

The code, adopted also by UNS, primarily emphasizes that journalists must report truthfully, verify all information, and avoid delaying the publication of important news. 

Bjelica examines how well this principle is respected and whether the truth is being suppressed. Using the example of the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy and the subsequent protests, she evaluated media reporting over the past two months, referencing the code. 

Fabricating unnamed sources is considered a severe violation of the Code. Bjelica highlights the origin of this rule and whether such abuses are widespread. One notable update to the code is a new chapter on respecting dignity. The guest elaborates on what this chapter entails. 

“The code has evolved with the times, focusing more on dignity issues now,” says Bjelica. She explains whether there is a way to compel tabloids to respect the new provision that “a journalist should not report from funerals, except in cases of high-profile public figures,” as such reporting previously occurred without restrictions, often with photos on front pages. 

The code also states that journalists should be independent of corporate interests, media owners, and political pressures. The provision on gender-sensitive language often sparks malicious interpretations. Bjelica clarifies whether journalists must use terms like “female taxi driver” or “female surgeon,” even when they sound awkward, and how to handle situations where high-ranking officials (e.g., parliament speakers or governors) consistently use masculine forms for their titles in official documents and on websites. 

Bjelica reveals what the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS) can do if media outlets fail to comply with the code. 

Key Provisions in the Code: 

1. Journalists who adhere to the Code receive support and protection from their professional association.
2. Journalists who adhere to the Code have the right to legal and financial assistance to protect against violence, threats, insults, and other negative consequences of their work.
3. Anyone who believes a journalist has violated the Code can appeal to the courts of honor of journalists’ associations and the Press Council.

The Press Council addresses print media, while the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) should address electronic media. However, the process of selecting new REM council members has just begun. Minister of Information and Telecommunications Dejan Ristić expects the Serbian Parliament to elect the new REM council in the late January or early February. In the meantime, Bjelica offers guidance on what should be done. 

A parliamentary committee on culture and information has approved a candidate list. Criticisms about “GONGO” organizations (government-organized NGOs) being among the proposers were dismissed by the ruling majority. Bjelica discusses whether UNS supports the notion that anyone has the right to run for such positions and comments on the collaboration between UNS and NUNS in proposing candidates, in contrast to lesser-known organizations like United TV Experts. 

“We have media that reflect the demands of the current political elite. In a normal society, everyone working in institutions must bear responsibility,” says Bjelica. 

Regarding media-related organizations, recent UNS research reveals that candidates from KomNet, PROUNS, and the New Serbia Network are most frequently included on project funding committees. Bjelica questions the relevance of these associations, which are little known. 

The morning program reviewed the Professional Journalists Association of Serbia (PROUNS), noting its last update (of its web site) was in February this year, with only one news item in 2023 and another in 2022. Interestingly, these three associations often appear together at events such as fairs. Minister Ristić mentions that Serbia has 76 journalists’ associations. Bjelica discusses how many UNS is familiar with and whether they collaborate with them. 

“Problems don’t stem from journalists but from those who should provide information,” concludes Bjelica.